Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture, Marche Slave, Romeo and Juliet, Capriccio Italien, Hamlet (Expanded Edition)

This album is wonderful. I own this recording, but wanted to buy two tracks for listening on my iPod. But, I will not re-purchase an entire album for a single track. Not today, not ever. Come on, music producers! In 2012 a.d., you will sell a lot more copies of "1812" at $1.29 each than you will full albums at $10.

Yes this is an analog recording, but so is Solti's Ring most of Rubinstein's Chopin & Beethoven Collections. The Bernstein Mahler Symphonies were also analog, so yes there were fabulous recordings before digital. This recording, according to the reviews when it was first released, uses the cannon of the Kremlin (Moscow) and the carillon of Notre Dame (Paris). Never has there been a more sonically dramatic recording. The filler works are also great. Thank God, Bernstein did more the compose. His repertoire was varied and he was master of all.

Lenny or dkenny? I go with Lenny. I Never heard of dkenny. Consider the reel to reel tape has been stored for 50 years. In the storage, it can have issues with distortion. The tuning could be related to old tape and the physical condition of the tape. I would respect that the musicians of 1958 probably have better musical ears than the posters have given them credit for. The recording was analogue not digital.

I agree and disagree with dkenny. It is true that there are some out of tune notes in the Marche Slave. However I don’t believe that it matters a lot just because they are out of tune only a few times. Tchaikovsky didn’t intend for people to listen specifically for out of tune notes or mistakes. He only wanted to express his feelings through music and contribute to the world of music. It doesn’t matter if the piece is played perfectly or with mistakes, there is no difference as long as the listeners can listen to the music and feel what Tchaikovsky was feeling. I believe that this piece is wonderful and those of you who love classical music should choose this magnificent piece.

It's always impressive when somebody writes a review passing themselves off as professional and criticize details but somehow can't seem to remember how to spell. For one so keen on detail maybe we should use spellcheck. Really! It's Leonard Bernstein. Do you need someone else's opinion. And if you are questioning Tchaikovsky then your excuse better be because you are young and just learning. So buy and learn!

I play 1812 Overture on my concert band for my high school & it's amazing. I love it!

I too almost did not buy the album after reading the comment before, but that would be a mistake I would regret. As this is a wonderfull peace of music that you can tell was composed straight from the heart. If you buy it you surely will not regret it.

I own a LOT of classical albums, but im just now getting into Tchaikovsky. And in reading the last review i nearly didn't buy this album, but im very very happy i did- its an amazing sound quality and great performance combination. And for 5 bucks, it really is a must-by. PLEASE, don't pass this up, I promise you won't regret it.

I have yet to listen to the whole album, but Romeo and Juliet is worth the price all by itself. Bernstein does a masterful job managing the hugh New York Philharmonic with terrific tempos and dynamics and even better transitions when either or both are changing. Coming from California I have a bias to Zubin Mehta and the Los Angeles Phil., (I bought Isreal and Los Angeles Phils album too), but this New York "Romeo and Juliet" is better, I think. It has more soul.

This recording, originally released in 1958 (!), proves once again that some things, once done right, need not be done again. Bernstein's version of the "1812 Overture" is just about as good a recording of the masterwork as you can find. The "Marche Slave" is performed with power and grace, as it should be. Too bad there isn't an "iTunes Plus" version of this album available - but the sound quality is excellent nonetheless. Recommended for anyone interested in what Tchaikovsky really had on his mind.